Chapter 109: Saving a Life Once More

After the recent struggle, I finally realized how terrifying Chu Jun is. Although the rescue mission was a success, Qin Tian was captured in the process. Had I known this would be the outcome, I never should have brought him along. How could that kid Qin Tian be so utterly helpless against Leng Wushuang? Yu Jing explained that Leng Wushuang had appeared suddenly. Yu Jing was the first to notice her, but for some reason, Leng Wushuang attacked without a word. During the scuffle, Yu Jing sustained minor injuries. At that moment, Qin Tian was right behind Leng Wushuang. She seemed like a puppet; no matter how much Qin Tian called out to her, she showed no reaction. Yu Jing had told Qin Tian to knock her unconscious, but he hesitated with his hand raised, unable to strike. That hesitation gave Leng Wushuang the opening she needed—not only to wound Yu Jing and Duan Shui-liu but also to capture Qin Tian. For Leng Wushuang to severely injure our people twice is enough to infuriate even a Buddha. The next time I see her, I will surely teach her a lesson and make her understand that one shouldn't go too far! Then again, Leng Wushuang seems to be under someone’s control. Both times we met, she attacked without hesitation, which defies logic. The most likely person controlling her is Chu Jun. It is highly probable that he obtained the Heavenly Demon Art from her as well. Of course, this is merely my speculation; I cannot reach a definitive conclusion until we rescue Qin Tian.

Now that the Wind God has also sustained internal injuries, the plan was clearly not thorough enough, and we were nearly exposed. While we managed to rescue Duan Shui-liu, I fear Chu Jun will now target the Wind God Group. If that happens, every member could suffer an unjust disaster. Therefore, Duan Shui-liu cannot remain in the World Alliance; he must leave, and he must leave immediately. After some discussion, Duan Shui-liu realized the trouble he had brought upon us and said guiltily, "I thank you all, my brothers! To avoid causing further trouble, I must take my leave. I will surely face fire and water to repay your kindness in the future. Brother Feng, take care!"

Duan Shui-liu cupped his hands in a salute and turned to leave. I called out, "Wait! If you happen to see a girl named Chen Yu, please tell her to come to the World Alliance and find me." Duan Shui-liu nodded and vanished into the pitch-black night. We didn't dare linger, retreating along our original path. When we reached the Famous Inn, the staff were preparing to close. The three of us tucked our night-gear into our arms and entered. Once in our room, I channeled my demonic energy through every meridian according to the Heavenly Demon Art. My injuries were healing at an incredible speed; I could even perceive the meridians within my own body, each one shimmering with golden light wherever the energy flowed, seemingly becoming tougher than before.

A few minutes later, my injuries were mostly healed. I then channeled some demonic energy to help Yu Jing and the Wind God. Once they had recovered, I decided to rescue Qin Tian before dawn. This time, I chose to act alone to avoid any unforeseen complications. The Wind God and Yu Jing insisted on coming, so I reluctantly agreed, telling them they were only to provide backup from the outside and must not enter under any circumstances. If I met with misfortune, they were not to attempt a rescue—life and death are matters of fate, and I had long since come to terms with that. Besides, it wouldn't be easy for Chu Jun to kill me, and even if I died, I would leave him with a scar he’d never forget. With everything decided, we jumped from the second-story window, donned our night-gear, and set out again.

We soon arrived at the site of the previous battle. The crowd in the square had not yet dispersed, but where Duan Shui-liu had been kneeling before, Qin Tian now knelt. Upon seeing Leng Wushuang, my suspicions were confirmed: she was indeed being controlled by Chu Jun. Chu Jun stood at the front of the platform, addressing the crowd. I leaned in to listen; he was ranting about the "Wind God Group rebels" failing to obey the system and openly provoking the World Alliance, claiming they must be executed to appease public anger. I thought to myself, it’s probably only your own anger that needs appeasing. You crafty Chu Jun—appearing so reasonable while being nothing more than a hypocritical villain. One day, I will expose your crimes. I was about to rush into the crowd when Chu Jun turned to look at Qin Tian and ordered Leng Wushuang to finish him off.

My revolver was already aimed at Leng Wushuang’s forehead. She raised her sword high, but it hesitated, refusing to fall. I activated my Heavenly Eye and saw sweat beading on her forehead; she was struggling violently. Suddenly, she swung her sword toward Chu Jun’s neck, but he caught it firmly in his hand. Seeing my chance, I dashed across the ground to Qin Tian, grabbed his arm, and sprinted back without a moment's pause. I signaled for the Wind God and Yu Jing to retreat. We ran at full speed, but Yu Jing fell behind. Fearing for him, I told the Wind God to take Qin Tian and leave first while I went back to cover Yu Jing. Fortunately, Chu Jun did not pursue. We managed to bring the kid back safely, though it was a narrow escape. Along the way, he struggled, insisting on going back to save Leng Wushuang, so I knocked him unconscious to prevent him from doing anything foolish.

By the time we returned to the inn, dawn was approaching. I tied Qin Tian up and threw him on the bed, and the three of us took turns keeping watch, fearing he might wake up and try to go back for her again—which would be suicide. Anyone could see that Qin Tian was in love with Leng Wushuang, but one cannot put everyone else in danger for the sake of love. She is currently controlled by Chu Jun; how would she even know what you’ve done? Qin Tian, oh Qin Tian, I don’t know what to say. To think you were once a gang leader, only to be so utterly bewitched by a woman!

I lit a cigarette. Yu Jing and the Wind God went to sleep. We had decided to leave the World Alliance as soon as the sun rose—we had no choice, as Chu Jun would certainly come looking for us. The thought of where we would go next filled me with uncertainty. We had finally found a place that could shelter us, only to cross paths with the most powerful person here. It seems we are destined to face the endless hordes of zombies and mutated beasts once again!

Lost in thought, I leaned against the wall and fell asleep on the edge of the bed. I was jolted awake when the cigarette butt burned my hand. Qin Tian was still unconscious. With an hour left before daybreak, I decided to review the Heavenly Demon Art. After the night’s battle, I finally realized how weak I was. If I didn't grow stronger quickly, how could I face future crises? Chu Jun’s "one-star" power was already terrifying; I dared not imagine the strength of the Heavenly God’s "five-star" power. I calmed my mind, and the contents of the Heavenly Demon Art became clear to me again. "Underworld Fire," the third stage of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, capable of incinerating all things by using one's own body as a conduit to release intense flames. The Underworld Fire has nine levels. The Heavenly Demon Divine Art consists of nine stages, each with nine levels. I had already mastered the first three levels of the first stage, the "Thirty-Six Heavenly Demon Forms," and had just entered the first level of the second stage, "Dancing Through Mountains and Rivers." That second stage is primarily footwork—useful for running away, but insufficient for actual combat. I closed my eyes and began to study the Underworld Fire.